Despite digitalization, paper isn't going out of fashion any time soon

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Despite the wave of digitalization, the importance of paper cannot be ignored or marginalized, said Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science & Technology on the occasion of World Paper Day celebration at Paperex expo in New Delhi.

Paperex connects pioneers of  paper industry to SME exporters, entrepreneurs, investors as well as 21,000 international trade visitors.

Reports suggest that India’s paper consumption will go up substantially in the medium term despite the digital creating a lot of buzz. Right now, per capita consumption of paper in India is 12.5 kilograms as compared to 57 kilograms in the US. Trade experts are hinting that the industry is entering new phase of growth and paper packaging business will give much needed support to the industry. The industry ecosystem is also changing rapidly.

As paper will be in demand despite digitalization in long run, hence innovation and technology should be used to produce the paper with more efficiency and environment-friendly manner, said Dr Harsh Vardhan.

Gagan Sahni, Director ITE India said, "Most of the exhibitors optimist that the Indian paper industry is resorting to farm forestry for meeting its wood requirement. Non-wood based raw materials are increasingly becoming more popular in the paper industry in India. Having mapped with paper mill water use, companies are working to develop site-specific plans at priority facilities that address additional efficiencies around water reuse and potential reduction."